Scattered Clouds'The First Empire' (album stream)

Hailing from Hull, QC, Scattered Clouds are set to unveil their debut full-length The First Empire next week, but Exclaim! is already streaming it in its entirety.

Started in 2010 as a solo studio project by Philippe Charbonneau (Hilotrons, Her Harbour), the project has since grown to integrate live performances to fully deliver the "trance inducing, orchestral and intense cinematic experience" that Charbonneau aims to deliver. The latest record features musical contributions from Pierre-Luc Clément, Jamie Kronick, Olivier Fairfield and Linsey Wellman.

The First Empire is a composed collection of six tracks that work together to give off an undeniably eerie aura. The dark atmosphere builds with Charbonneau's brooding baritone vocals, backed by unnerving analog synthesizers and guitars that bring forth the record's film noir influences.

From ghostly opener "Fallen" to the more groove-based "People Walk" to the screeching strings and crashing percussion of the album's closing title track, The First Empire guides the listener on a intriguing, and at times terrifying, sonic journey.

You can get the full experience at Scattered Clouds' upcoming live shows, which are listed below. The First Empire arrives on April 21 via E-Tron Records, but you can scroll past the tour dates to give it an early listen right now in the player below.